WALTER Kershaw is probably the town's most well known artist, but what some people might not be aware of is the fact that he's been at it for a long time, more than 40 years in fact.

For when this photograph was taken in February 1967, Mr Kershaw, who now has a studio in Littleborough, had already made a name for himself in fine arts.

He had entered 'Fantasy' in the spring exhibition of Manchester Academy of Fine Arts at the Central Art Gallery in Manchester. It certainly caught the eye for a buyer snapped it up during a special preview, a few days before the exhibition opened.

Mr Kershaw, then aged 26, and a part-time art teacher at Bury School of Arts and Crafts, created his impressionist work from steel rods, painted woods and perspex. It was all mounted on a wooden base.

Working in his spare time, it had taken Mr Kershaw a year to make.

'Fantasy' was bought by the borough of Birkenhead and was destined for a plinth at the Williamson Art Gallery in the Merseyside city.